Pattern Review: Rose Café Bustier by Daria Patternmaking
If you’ve ever dreamed of sewing the perfect bustier-style dress (or top, or corset—this pattern is versatile!), the Rose Café Bustier by Daria Patternmaking might already be on your radar. This was my first time trying one of their patterns, and let’s just say… it was a journey. A sewing voyage, if you will.
So, was it smooth sailing, or did I hit some choppy waters? Let’s dive into the details!
The Process: Toile First, Always
Since this pattern is all about a fitted bodice, I knew I had to make a toile (aka, a test version) first. And to my surprise—no adjustments needed! It was one of those rare and glorious moments where the pattern actually fit right out of the envelope (or in this case, the PDF download).
Feeling confident, I decided to try the pattern hack (instructions in the video below) that turns the bustier into a casual dress with a full skirt. This is where things got a little… murky. The skirt alterations were confusing for me (personally), and despite my best efforts, I’m pretty sure I cut and assembled things incorrectly. Let’s just say my final version may have been more “interpretation” than “exact science.”
Fabric & Design Details
For my main fabric, I chose a leopard-print cotton, and honestly? 10/10 would recommend. The structure of the cotton worked perfectly to hold the shape of the bustier while still being comfortable to wear.
To add a little extra flair, I went with red topstitching along the seam lines, which I think really made the details pop. If you’re making this pattern, I’d definitely suggest playing around with contrast stitching—especially if you’re using a solid fabric where the seam lines can act as a design feature.
Likes & Dislikes
What I Loved
✔ The fit – No adjustments needed? Unheard of! This was a huge win.
✔ The design potential – This pattern is incredibly versatile. You could make it as a structured corset, a corset with sleeves, or even play around with different skirt shapes to completely change the vibe.
✔ The style – It just looks so good. The princess seams, the cup shaping—it all comes together beautifully.
What Challenged Me
❌ The invisible zipper – I had never sewn one before, and this pattern really threw me into the deep end. Let’s just say my first attempt was… character-building. If you’re a beginner to invisible zippers, I highly recommend practicing on scrap fabric first.
❌ The skirt hack instructions – As mentioned, I struggled here. If you’re planning to do the skirt variation, I’d recommend watching some tutorials or double-checking your measurements before cutting!
Would I Recommend It?
Yes—but with some caveats.
If you’re a beginner, this pattern might feel overwhelming, especially with the curved seams, lining, and zipper insertion. But if you’re an intermediate or advanced sewist, I think you’ll have a lot of fun with it!
My Tips for Success:
✔ Make a toile first – Even though I didn’t need adjustments, it’s always worth testing fit before cutting into your good fabric.
✔ Practice your invisible zipper skills – Trust me, future-you will thank you.
✔ Choose your fabric wisely – A structured fabric like cotton makes things easier. Something too flimsy or slippery will add unnecessary frustration.
Final Thoughts
Despite my creative approach to the skirt hack, I absolutely love the Rose Café Bustier and will 100% be making more versions. I’m already eyeing different fabrics and considering making it into a full corset-style top. And yes, I will be attempting another invisible zipper (this time, with a little more preparation).
I’d definitely try more patterns from Daria Patternmaking—they have a very modern, fashion-forward vibe that I love.
Have you made this pattern before? Or do you have any tips for mastering invisible zippers? Let me know in the comments—I need all the zipper wisdom I can get!
